Meet Jessie Bartz | Fort Worth Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Bartz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been a creative person, but career-wise, I’ve picked very analytical roles. In September 2020, I decided to try out the epoxy resin medium because I’d seen some posts on IG where artists were using it. A friend, Emily Williams, was using it in different ways, and I was inspired. I started by making simple things and I now really enjoy thinking outside the box to come up with art pieces that provoke thought and emotion. Art is my way of getting away from being analytical, and just embracing my creative side, as well as allowing my art to express some of my emotions.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art style is creepy beautiful. I love to make beautiful sparkling pieces that also have creepy elements to it. I think our joy is always wrapped up with our traumas. I’m very proud of my Black Eyed Kids series, which is inspired by the urban legends of creepy kids asking to be let into people’s homes. I made my own ceramics in the first few pieces I made (with help from local artist Sophia Del Rio), as well. I hope my work inspires people to look at the joy of being scared, and the ability to deal with things that make us uncomfortable in order to enjoy the beauty around us.

So far, my art has only been showcased at local art markets around the Fort Worth area. I love doing art markets because each one has a different crowd. I love when someone connects to something I’ve made! I sometimes am not sure if anyone will understand my aesthetic or the goal of a piece. I’ve found such a supportive network of artists (shout out to Jack Daw Folk Art, AHK, and Dr Cyclops) in the DFW area, who all hype each other up, and help raise awareness of the talent we have here.

What I’d like the world to know about my art is that even though it may come across as silly at times, its my passion. I really do think about the themes of each piece and am trying to connect with others in a new way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends visit from out of town, I often take them to Bearded Lady for their Grilled Cheese of the Month, to Tulips to catch a show and a burger from the Gustos truck out back, to Nickel City for tator tots, to Taratula for a Cruel Summer banana drink, and to Ozzie Rabbits to chill on the patio. Other places I might fit into the itinerary would be Chat Room, Boiled Owl, the Amber Room, Lola’s, and maybe Blue Sushi, Heim BBQ, or Hurtado BBQ.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all, I’d like to give a shout out to my husband, Aaron. He’s supported me since Day 1, he’s helped me build out my art shed, and encourages me to keep going. My friends and family are all wonderful supporters of mine, and I always love to see them when they come out and show support at one of my art markets. I also appreciate the art collectives and venues that allow for local artists to showcase and sell their art to the local community. I’d love to give a shout out to Shasta Haubrich and ArtTooth. https://www.arttooth.com. To Jenna at the Liberty Lounge for hosting monthly Liberty Lowdown art market events, for supporting local artists, and for providing a safe space for all people.

Website: https://www.jessiebartzartz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessie.bartz.artz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessie.bartz.artz

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessie.bartz.artz